Minerals

Name: Star Mica - Muscovite with Quartz
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  55x42x28 mm / 2.2x1.6x1.1 inches
Weight:  71.3 Grams / 2.5 ounces
Origin: Mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil

This is a specimen of Star Mica or Muscovite and Quartz cluster.  These clusters show crystals that grow in sheets or book formations.  It is silvery gold with good transparency when held up to the light.  The name Muscovite comes from the term Muscovy Glass which was a name for the thick sheets of Mica used as a substitute for glass Russia. The name Mica is derived from the Greek word that means to split.

On this nice specimen, the matrix faces are covered with beautiful golden yellow point stars of muscovite mica, a typical shape for this rare mica formation. The stars are the result of twinning; the points show a bit of wear but this does not detract from the beauty of such a piece.

Name: Fluor-Richterite on Calcite Matrix
Specimen Size:  Large Cabinet-Sized
Dimensions:   127x76x57 mm / 5 x 3 x 2.25 inches
Weight:  731 grams / 1 lb 9 ounces
Origin: Mined in Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada

Nestled in a matrix of ivory colored calcite, are several crystals of Fluor-Richterite.  Fluor-Richterite is a rare mineral found only in the Wilberforce area in a skarn formation from the intrusion of magma into limestone with various impurities.  The fluor-richterite crystals are a shiny black color and the largest is 3/4" long. They are embedded in white calcite which fluoresces a bright pink color under short wave. Most of the fluor-richterite crystals are not complete.  Would be a nice addition to any new or existing collection.

Pseudomorphs are mineral specimens that have the external shape of one mineral but are composed of another.  The pseudomorph goethite after marcasite forms when marcasite is exposed to oxidizing conditions and starts to oxidize and break down. As the marcasite breaks down, goethite replaces it in the crystal structure, preserving the shape of the original marcasite crystal. The resulting specimen appears as a marcasite crystal, but is actually composed of goethite.

The Farafra Oasis, in the White Desert, has been known for a number of years to deliver incredible pseudomorph specimens. The pseudomorphs occur within the Cretaceous Khoman Chalk, from which the White Desert derives its name.

These specimens are remarkable for their relatively sharp marcasite crystal forms in aesthetic crystal clusters. They are in excellent condition.  This collector's specimen is unique, of great quality and ready for display.

Name: Goethite After Marcasite Pseudomorph
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized Specimen
Dimensions:  39x27x24  mm / 1.5x1.1x0.9 inches
Weight: 30.3 grams / 1.1 ounces
Origin: Found in White Desert, Farafra Oasis, Egypt

You will receive one of the Pseudomorphs pictured.

Pseudomorphs are mineral specimens that have the external shape of one mineral but are composed of another.  The pseudomorph goethite after marcasite forms when marcasite is exposed to oxidizing conditions and starts to oxidize and break down. As the marcasite breaks down, goethite replaces it in the crystal structure, preserving the shape of the original marcasite crystal. The resulting specimen appears as a marcasite crystal, but is actually composed of goethite.

The Farafra Oasis, in the White Desert, has been known for a number of years to deliver incredible pseudomorph specimens. The pseudomorphs occur within the Cretaceous Khoman Chalk, from which the White Desert derives its name.

These specimens are remarkable for their relatively sharp marcasite crystal forms in aesthetic crystal clusters. They are in excellent condition.  This collector's specimen is unique, of great quality and ready for display.

Name: Goethite After Marcasite Pseudomorph
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized Specimen
Dimensions:  23-28x20-23  mm / 0.9-1.1x0.8-0.9 inches
Weight:  17-23 grams / 0.6-0.8 ounces
Origin: Found in White Desert, Farafra Oasis, Egypt

This is a beautiful specimen of golden brown Vesuvianite crystals on a white carbonate matrix from Mexico. A great addition to any collection! It was first discovered on Mount Vesuvius in Italy in the 18th century, hence its name. Vesuvianite typically occurs as a green, brown, yellow, or blue-green crystal, and is often found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. The alternate name, Idocrase, is from the Greek eidos “form”, and krasis “mixture”, because Vesuvianite often appears to combine the crystal forms of other minerals. It is used as a gemstone.

Name: Vesuvianite Crystal
Specimen Size:   Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  56x29x26mm / 2.2x1.1x1.0 inches
Weight:   46 grams / 1.6 Ounces
Origin: Sierra de Cruces, Coahuila, Mexico

Barite is a mineral composed of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and is known for its high density and wide range of colors and crystal formations. Barite is a type of mineral specimen that features clusters of thin, blade-like barite crystals growing on a matrix of other minerals.

This specimen was found in Campinas Grande, Pernambuco, Brazil, an area known for producing high-quality barite specimens with a range of crystal habits and colors.

This specimen would be a great addition to any new or existing collection.

Name: Barite Crystal on Matrix
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  42x44x33  mm / 1.6x1.7x1.3  inches
Weight: 37.4 Grams / 1.3 Ounces
Origin: Mined in Campinas Grande, Pernambuco, Brazil

Pseudomorphs are mineral specimens that have the external shape of one mineral but are composed of another.  The pseudomorph goethite after marcasite forms when marcasite is exposed to oxidizing conditions and starts to oxidize and break down. As the marcasite breaks down, goethite replaces it in the crystal structure, preserving the shape of the original marcasite crystal. The resulting specimen appears as a marcasite crystal, but is actually composed of goethite.

The Farafra Oasis, in the White Desert, has been known for a number of years to deliver incredible pseudomorph specimens. The pseudomorphs occur within the Cretaceous Khoman Chalk, from which the White Desert derives its name.

These specimens are remarkable for their relatively sharp marcasite crystal forms in aesthetic crystal clusters. They are in excellent condition.  This collector's specimen is unique, of great quality and ready for display.

Name: Goethite After Marcasite Pseudomorph
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized Specimen
Dimensions:  52x22x23  mm / 2.0x0.9x0.9 inches
Weight: 30 grams / 1 ounce
Origin: Found in White Desert, Farafra Oasis, Egypt

Name: Star Mica - Muscovite with Quartz
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  50x36x24 mm / 2.0x1.4x0.9 inches
Weight:  28.2 Grams / 1.0 ounces
Origin: Mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil

This is a specimen of Star Mica or Muscovite and Quartz cluster.  These clusters show crystals that grow in sheets or book formations.  It is silvery gold with good transparency when held up to the light.  The name Muscovite comes from the term Muscovy Glass which was a name for the thick sheets of Mica used as a substitute for glass Russia. The name Mica is derived from the Greek word that means to split.

On this nice specimen, the matrix faces are covered with beautiful golden yellow point stars of muscovite mica, a typical shape for this rare mica formation. The stars are the result of twinning; the points show a bit of wear but this does not detract from the beauty of such a piece.

Rhodochrosite is a beautiful pink to red mineral that is typically found in veins associated with silver, copper, lead, and zinc ores. Peru is one of the most famous sources of rhodochrosite, and the country is known for producing some of the most vibrant and high-quality specimens of this mineral.

These tumbled rhodochrosite would make a beautiful addition to a mineral collection. 

Rhodochrosite is believed to have healing properties, particularly related to the heart and emotional healing. It is said to promote love, compassion, and self-awareness, and to help release emotional trauma and negative patterns. It is also thought to be a stone of creativity, helping to stimulate and enhance artistic expression.

Product Type:  Rhodocrosite
Approx Weight (per lot):  28.5-71.4 grams
Shape: Tumbled
Color: Pink
Clarity: Opaque
Origin: Peru

Rhodochrosite is a beautiful pink to red mineral that is typically found in veins associated with silver, copper, lead, and zinc ores. Peru is one of the most famous sources of rhodochrosite, and the country is known for producing some of the most vibrant and high-quality specimens of this mineral.

These tumbled rhodochrosite would make a beautiful addition to a mineral collection.  They are also perfectly sized for jewelry-making.

Rhodochrosite is believed to have healing properties, particularly related to the heart and emotional healing. It is said to promote love, compassion, and self-awareness, and to help release emotional trauma and negative patterns. It is also thought to be a stone of creativity, helping to stimulate and enhance artistic expression.

Product Type:  Rhodocrosite
Approx Weight (per lot):  6.0 - 17.7 grams
Shape: Tumbled
Color: Pink
Clarity: Opaque
Origin: Peru

Pseudomorphs are mineral specimens that have the external shape of one mineral but are composed of another.  The pseudomorph goethite after marcasite forms when marcasite is exposed to oxidizing conditions and starts to oxidize and break down. As the marcasite breaks down, goethite replaces it in the crystal structure, preserving the shape of the original marcasite crystal. The resulting specimen appears as a marcasite crystal, but is actually composed of goethite.

The Farafra Oasis, in the White Desert, has been known for a number of years to deliver incredible pseudomorph specimens. The pseudomorphs occur within the Cretaceous Khoman Chalk, from which the White Desert derives its name.

These specimens are remarkable for their relatively sharp marcasite crystal forms in aesthetic crystal clusters. They are in excellent condition.  This collector's specimen is unique, of great quality and ready for display.

Name: Goethite After Marcasite Pseudomorph
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized Specimen
Dimensions:  36x28x24  mm / 1.3x1.2x1.0 inches
Weight:  17.9 grams / 0.6 ounces
Origin: Found in White Desert, Farafra Oasis, Egypt